FLEXI BOARDING AT SHEBBEAR COLLEGE
Modern families are busy and life can be a juggling act between work, school, clubs and other commitments!
At Shebbear College we try to be as flexible as possible so that families can tailor boarding to suit their needs with our weekly or flexi options. This is a fantastic way to relieve the pressure of a busy lifestyle and make sure that time spent as a family is quality time, whilst giving pupils the opportunity to ditch the commute, enabling them to spend this time doing their homework or preparing for exams, whilst spending time with their friends and enjoying the many benefits of boarding life.
Both weekly and flexi-boarding options are popular for our day pupils due to their convenience, flexibility and cost effectiveness.
Boarding at Shebbear builds confidence and friendships and develops independence – as well as being a lot of fun! Any pupil between the ages of 8 - 18 can board, and we welcome pupils from across the UK and all over the world.
We have two co-educational boarding houses - Pollard and Ruddle.
Each house has its own unique identity but both have the same warm, friendly atmosphere, which you can feel as soon as you walk in.
Our friendly boarding staff are responsible for boarders’ academic, pastoral and social welfare, giving them the security of a family environment whilst at the same time enjoying the freedom to grow and mature.
What is Flexi-Boarding?
Flexi-boarding is the opportunity for our pupils to stay overnight at school for one or more nights during the week. Normally, pupils commit to certain days, however it is possible to accommodate ad hoc requests, depending on numbers. Some of our boarders come from far afield but some of our older pupils live locally, yet choose to board as they find it easier to revise and prepare for exams within the structure and routine of the boarding house, where they know they can ask for support when the need arises.
What is Weekly Boarding?
Weekly boarding is the opportunity for pupils to stay overnight at school during the week, arriving at school on either Sunday evening (after 7pm) or Monday morning, and leaving on Friday after school, returning home at weekends.
Ī Flexi and weekly boarding are offered to pupils in Prep 4 through to Upper Sixth (aged 8 - 18)
Ī Pupils can flexi-board regularly from one to three nights per week or for a set night over a period of several weeks if required.
Ī Pupils can book in for a ‘block’ of flexi boarding to take advantage of our enrichment activities.
The
benefits of Flexi-boardingFlexi-boarding helps our pupils to:
Ī Become more mature and self-confident
Ī Enhance their social skills and build life-long memories and friendships.
Ī Become more independent and self-sufficient in a safe environment
Ī Learn new skills through enrichment programmes.
Flexi-boarding is a great option for day pupils, who make the most out of flexi options:
Ī During exam periods, when they can save on travel time which can then be devoted to study time - our academic tutors are on hand to help with prep in the evenings.
Ī When they have an activity after school or fixtures on a Saturday
Ī When a parent needs to be out in the evening or travelling away on business
Ī To reduce the impact of a long daily commute into school by breaking up the travelling during the week
Ī To experience boarding and being away from home.
Ī To use on a one-off basis as a reliable and safe option
Ī To take advantage of our evening and weekend enrichment programme and learn new skills.
Ī To enjoy the social benefits of boarding and spend more time with their friends during the week.
How much does it cost?
The cost of flexi boarding is £60 per night (including breakfast and supper) making it a really cost effective option for busy families.
How do I book?
Please email our Head of Boarding, Mr Clewley on sclewley@shebbearcollege.co.uk for more information or to book.
Day pupils are fully integrated into the boarding life of the school and many choose to stay on a regular basis.
Please note that one week’s notice is required for booking flexi-boarding and a flexi-boarding place is subject to availability.
What should I bring?
We want to make flexi-boarding as easy as possible for families so all you need to bring is an overnight bag!
A Boarder’s Typical Evening
At 4.30pm, the school day ends and the boarding houses open. Boarders can change into home clothes ready for a faculty enrichment activity from 5pm - 6pm. A range of activities in Music, Drama, Sport and Art are offered and pupils can make the most of the school facilities. Tea is at 6pm in the dining hall and after this, there is a role call and a house meeting in the boarding house.
At 6.30pm pupils in Forms 1 - 4 (Years 7 - 10) have an hour of prep time, with Form 5 (Year 11) - Upper 6 having 1.5 hours from 6.30pm - 8pm. All pupils can also meet with academic staff to discuss work and their general progress. Once they have finished their prep they then have free time until they need to return to the boarding house at 9pm.
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“I feel more motivated to do my homework as a boarder, because you’re in a classroom with your teachers and they can help you if you need it.”
“After school there are lots of opportunities available before dinner time, I like going to the music block or playing sport.” “
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“Weekly boarding has been great for me as I have way more time now that I don’t have to go on a long bus journey every morning and evening. You can get more study in if you want to, or just have more fun as you’re around your friends more”
“Waking up later is so much better - I used to get up really early to catch my bus, now I can have a lie in and get up at the last minute - and I get a really nice breakfast!” “
